From a normal school of teachers in 1891 to joining the University of North Carolina system in 1971, ECSU is a place where the smartest minds from all over the country come together to discover, learn and cultivate the foundations of their future.

In ECSU's ten academic departments, we are educating some of the world's most brilliant minds. Our students are exposed to innovative research opportunities that extend their learning beyond textbooks and classrooms.

Life at ECSU provides a range of experiences that are invaluable to your academic and personal growth. Our students come from different places and backgrounds, but together they create a diverse, close-knit community that seeks to create a better world.

Fire Safety

ECSU takes Fire Safety very seriously and continues to enhance its programs to the
university community through education, engineering, and enforcement. Educational
programs are presented throughout the year to faculty, staff, and students so they
are aware of the rules and safe practices.

These programs, which are available at all campus locations, include identification
and prevention of fire hazards, actual building evacuation procedures and drills,
specific occupant response to fire emergencies and hands-on use of fire extinguishers.

All University residence halls have emergency evacuation plans and conduct frequent
fire drills during the school year to allow occupants to become familiar with and
practice their evacuation skills. ECSU has been a leader in ensuring the safety of
students, faculty, staff, and visitors who live and work in university operated residences.
Automatic sprinkler systems and fire alarm systems are recognized engineered building
features that help to provide a fire-safe living environment. All University operated
residence halls and apartments are provided with automatic sprinkler systems, smoke
detectors, and building fire alarm systems to provide early detection and warning
of a possible fire emergency. Additionally, Food Service staff members at the University
are trained on emergency procedures in the event of a fire.

ECSU maintains and tests all fire alarms and automatic fire suppression systems in
accordance with the appropriate National Fire Protection Association Standard to ensure
system readiness and proper operation in the event of a fire emergency. ECSU has adopted
and developed numerous Safety Policies and Guidelines to help promote a safe living
and working environment at the University.

Additional protection is provided by University Police Officers, who are trained for
initial response to fire incidents occurring at University facilities. Officers provide
assistance in building evacuation and extinguishment/confinement of small fires. In
addition, laboratory safety and evacuation plans are also part of the Environmental
Health and Safety (EHS) mission. EHS is dedicated to maintaining the safety of our
community by conducting annual inspections, plan reviews, and ensuring evacuation
drills are in all laboratories on campus.

In coordination with Residence Life and Housing and Food Service, Environmental Health
and Safety (EHS) provides annual training to Resident Assistants (RA), Community Assistants,
and Residence Life Coordinators.

Fire Evacuation

In the event of a fire, the University expects that all campus community members will
evacuate by the nearest exit, closing doors and activating the fire alarm system (if
one is present) as they leave. Once safely outside a building, it is appropriate to
contact 911 and the University Police by dialing 911. Students and/or staff are informed
where to relocate to by staff if the circumstance warrants at the time of the alarm.
In the event fire alarms sound, University policy requires that all occupants must
evacuate from the building, closing doors as they leave. No training is provided to
students or employees in firefighting or suppression activity as this is inherently
dangerous; each community member’s duty is to exit safely and quickly, shutting doors
along the exit path as they go to contain the spread of flames and smoke and to activate
the alarm as they exit. At no time should the closing of doors or the activation of
the alarm delay the exit from the building.

Fire Incident Reporting

Students, faculty, and staff are instructed to call 911 to report a fire emergency. Non-emergency
notifications (e.g., evidence that something burned) are made to University Police
(252) 335-3555.

Inspections and Prohibited Items

The Office of Residence Life performs Residence Hall Health and Safety Inspections
four to five times a year in the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. Inspections may
be random or announced. Residence Life inspections are primarily designed to find
and eliminate safety violations. Students are required to read and comply with all
Residential Life Housing Policies, which include inspection and other rules and regulations
for residential buildings. The inspections include, but are not limited to, a visual
examination of electrical cords, sprinkler heads, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers
and other life safety systems.

In addition, each room will be examined for the presence of prohibited items (e.g.,
sources of open flames (such as candles), non-surge protected extension cords, halogen
lamps, portable cooking appliances in non-kitchen areas, etc.) or prohibited activity
(e.g., smoking in the room, tampering with life safety equipment, possession of pets,
etc.). This inspection will also include a general assessment of food and waste storage
and cleanliness of the room. Prohibited items will be immediately disabled with a
locking device or confiscated and donated/discarded if found, without reimbursement.

Plans for Future Improvements in Fire Safety

ECSU continues to monitor trends related to residence hall fire incidents and alarms
to provide a fire safe living environment for all students. New programs and policies
are developed as needed to help ensure the safety of all students, faculty, and staff.